Source: Team_Talk
Butcher wants players up for the cup
Having arrested a slide of eight straight SPL defeats in Butcher's first game in charge on Sunday, Caley Thistle's squad were keen to build on that draw with Celtic by picking up more points as soon as possible.[LNB]But they will have to wait another week before their next league game at Dundee United, with a fifth-round cup tie to negotiate first.[LNB]And Butcher said he will accept nothing less than 100% commitment against Killie.[LNB]"One of two said they'd rather play a league game this weekend, but I'm not bothered," he said.[LNB]"We're playing SPL opposition and very dangerous side too in Kilmarnock.[LNB]"They're a very good team that's the most important aspect. I'm just looking for the guys to reproduce the spirit and the work-rate they showed against Celtic.[LNB]"In the past, I think the boys had that fear factor about games; there should be no fear - it's a cup game.[LNB]"Saturday is another match to build on and we're looking forward to pitting our wits against Kilmarnock, who will be well-organised under Jim Jeffries and Billy Brown."[LNB]With heavy snow causing havoc in the north of Scotland, Inverness have been unable to use their normal training facilities at Fort George.[LNB]Instead, they trundled across the Kessock Bridge and shared the Highland Football Academy with Irn-Bru First Division side Ross County.[LNB]But that has failed to scupper the feelgood factor at the club, which Butcher claims is getting stronger.[LNB]"The boys are up, lively and very chatty I haven't heard them so vocal since myself and Maurice (Malpas) arrived," he said.[LNB]"The confidence has definitely increased.[LNB]"The guys have showed that they're enjoying the sessions but the most important thing is to take that onto the pitch on Saturday against Killie.[LNB]"Everything we've learned from the training ground had to be reproduced come 3pm Saturday, where it matters.[LNB]"Coming to work every day with a smile on your face really helps and being together breeds confidence and being in each other's company increases the belief."[LNB]Partick Thistle suffered at the hands of Inverness in the last round of the cup, with new boy Filipe Morais scoring twice in a 3-0 win.[LNB]Since then, goals have been few and far between and Butcher has stressed the importance of hitting the back of the net more often.[LNB]He said: "We haven't been doing that of late and that's been a problem this season.[LNB]"The last time we did score freely was against Partick in the last round.[LNB]"Hopefully we can top off a lot of good approach play from last Sunday.[LNB]"The lads have been showing me in training they're hungry for goals with some top-quality strikes."[LNB][LNB][LNB]
